Introduction to barre: Exclusive Sweaty Betty X Heartcore offer

Whether you’re a regular at the barre or want to perfect your practice, premium London fitness studio Heartcore is offering Sweaty Betty members an exclusive opportunity to try their all-new Heartcore Barre programme in the New Year. For £100, you’ll be entitled to unlimited barre classes between 2-31 January at their Fulham, Hampstead and Kings Road locations. Plus, you can also visit the nearby Sweaty Betty boutiques to pick up your personal goodie bags and a free Athlete Vest of your choice. To take advantage of this limited time opportunity, head over to heartcore.co.uk between 10-31 December to purchase the Sweaty Betty X Heartcore package.

Here to introduce you to Heartcore’s unique barre concept is Natalie Halcroft, the brains behind the newest barre workout in London.

As the brains behind Heartcore’s exclusive new barre class, tell us about your training background…

I fell in love with dancing at the age of five and trained in classical technique. I worked professionally in both classical and commercial dance internationally, and then later completed my teaching qualifications at the Royal Academy of Dance in London.

In 2008 I completed my Level 4 Personal Training, deepening my knowledge of biomechanics and physiology, alongside Reformer & Mat Pilates training. As the US barre movement gained momentum in the UK, I decided to train as a barre instructor because I was excited by the opportunity to combine my love of choreography with my knowledge of optimal training techniques.

What makes the new barre programme different from the others already out there?

The barre workout was originally created in the 1950’s, based on a combination of ballet and dance training techniques to form a full-body workout that helps to hone that all-desirable dancers’ physique. Since then, biomechanics has evolved significantly and we have a much greater understanding of muscular physiology.

I designed the new barre programme with all the latest scientific principles in mind, including intelligent sequencing and isolated micro-movements to work the muscle fibres to the point of fatigue. Energising beats combined with Heartcore’s signature precision techniques deliver a fast, effective and fun workout that promises immediate results.

If you had to pick the single biggest benefit of Heartcore Barre, what would it be?

How should Heartcore Barre students supplement their classes to maximise their all-round fitness?

Barre is an incredible total body conditioning workout, so something more cardio-based like TRX or running would be a good complement. Our TRX HIIT offers high-intensity cardio training and fast fat burn.

We also recommend integrating Dynamic Reformer Pilates as part of your overall exercise, focusing on the full range of motion and using resistance to build core strength. The combination of barre and pilates achieves a strong, long and lean micro-sculpted physique.

What do you look for in a great outfit for barre?

I love being able to see my muscles engage during a workout. Statement leggings are my go-to piece, especially those with a sexy mesh panel or clever detailing (the Adrenaline Run Capris fit the bill perfectly). Coming from the dance discipline, I love layering. A sheer or cutout vest (like the Training Over Tee) that highlights my arms and shoulders is great, and I’ll pair it with a colour pop bra underneath.

Get the Heartcore Barre look

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